I let go of the tendency to control other people's thoughts, opinions, or actions. I focus on self-improvement. There is only one person I have control over - me!

I like it if people think well of me. But I release worry about what they might think. It is a waste of my time and energy and causes me unnecessary anxiety. I do my best, and I know that is all I can do. I understand this. Moreover, I am fine with it.

I abide by the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). I stay true to myself. I am sure most people think well of me. I refuse to let it distract me if they do not.

I like understanding I am in control of my actions, behaviors, and thoughts. It takes the burden off my shoulders to know that the only person I need to control is me. What an uplifting revelation!

I have gratitude bringing me joy.

I have a zeal for life that enables me to enjoy every minute of every day by simply living in those moments.

I have...

New Beginnings and Final Endings

The opening of each New Year is a time for women to consider the year just past, and create goals for the future. New Years holds a special magic, with a promise of new opportunities and the possibility to change our lives for the better. Unlock your full potential and live your best life - Life Coaching can help!

There must be endings to create new beginnings. An old year ends, and a New Year begins, full of promises of change and new experiences. Mitch Albom, author of “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” wrote: “All endings are also beginnings. We don’t know it at the time.”

It is an excellent way to consider endings in our lives. Certain endings, such as the death of a loved one, will leave you heartbroken. But if you can think of it as the entire host of good memories and ultimately go with what the new beginnings have in store, you will live a happier and more fulfilled life.

A Life Coach...

I constantly see friends of mine making New Year's resolutions for finances or business. They will post about it on social media or tell me how great they feel because they do "ABC".

I see them two months later and ask how it is going. And the conversation typically goes like this:

Me: "Are you still "ABC" every day? How's that going?"
Friend: "What?"
Me: "The new year's resolution that you made, the one you were posting about all the time?"
Friend: "Oh... Yeah. I stopped.

And that seems to be the big issue with New Year's resolutions. Something does not "click". Or rather, it does not STICK. They are not helping us to change in the long run. They are just a short-term fix with no lasting results.

The stats on New Year's resolutions, according to a University of Scranton study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, show:

• 45% of Americans usually make New Year's Resolutions
• 75% of people keep their resolutions through the first week (but only 46% keep them past...

As we start to wind down on the year 2020, let's begin to plan for 2021. The new year holds promise for much growth. Start to plan goals so that you will be successful.

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” George Sheehan

The definition of "successful" is different for every woman. Essentially, it is about who you are and who you are becoming. Success involves living up to your potential and achieving your dreams. Your success is what will bring you a life of contentment, pride, and enthusiasm in your accomplishments.

Too often than not, we make lists of goals we want to achieve, but the list remains on the nightstand or kitchen table. The words do not move from the page, and success seems to elude us. Regardless of what success means to you, there are strategies for making it all happen and come true for you. Attaining success is not as complicated as you might...

The High Price of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

While most people know that drinking too much alcohol can lead to injuries and deaths in car crashes, many people do not know that drinking too much alcohol also can increase the chances of cancer, suicide, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other negative health outcomes.

Consult your personal health care provider if you feel you or someone you know has a drinking problem. Other resources include the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service, available at 1-800-662-HELP. This service can provide you with information about treatment programs in your local community and allow you to speak with someone about alcohol problems.

What is excessive drinking?

Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.

Excessive alcohol consumption is known to cause about 79,000 deaths in the U.S. each year,...

START OVER

When you've trusted God and walked his way
When you've felt his hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way ...
Start over.

When you've made your plans, and they've gone awry
When you've tried your best, and there's no more try
When you've failed yourself, and you don't know why ...
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do
When you've trusted them, and they didn't come through
And you're all alone, and it's up to you ...
Start over.

When you've failed your kids, and they've grown and gone
When you've done your best, but it's turned out wrong
And now your grandchildren come along ...
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will
When you've prayed and prayed, and you don't know still ...
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill ...
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit
When you've tried and tried to get out of it ...
Start over.

When the year has been long and...

I look forward to the future with faith and confidence. When the future brings joy, I welcome it. When it brings challenges, I know that I possess the inner power and resilience to conquer them through God. As a result, I am set free from worry.

When I am at the base of a curved stairway, I am not reluctant to take the first step since I cannot see the top! If I get in my car to go somewhere, I do not fear what I encounter on my journey!

In the same way, I push ahead with my life and accomplish goals, even if I cannot see my entire journey ahead of time.

I avoid worrying over what might come. Even in today’s environment, with an intense political climate and a recession in full bloom, I can prevent fret. In its place, I seek solutions and focus on what I CAN DO to experience the life I desire.

One point I can accomplish is to live in the moment. When I am focused on the moment, I do not worry about the past or future. There is only right now! I...

At times, making changes, you would like to see in life feels virtually impossible. It requires motivation to step out of your comfort zone and make significant changes to transform your life.

Nearly every year, we watch some version of A Christmas Carol. Chances are you have too.

There is an absolute joy in watching Ebenezer Scrooge see the error in his ways and make amends at the movie's end.

Those he had wronged in life showed grace and class by forgiving him in the end.

The story follows Scrooge on three adventures of self-exploration, with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

What he learns in each place is something we can all use.

If you want to start next year out right, these shifts can be your start to a happier, healthier life.

1. Listen to Your Intuition—Women like to think of life as linear and rational. But more often than not, women make blind decisions based on what they see at the time. But what if you started...

You may believe that hobbies are not vital. After all, they will take time away from work and family. However, personal pursuits serve many essential purposes, including helping you stay emotionally and mentally healthy.

If you have been avoiding spending time doing activities you like to do. Maybe it is time to recommit to a little "me time" and take up your preferred pastimes again.

1. Hobbies offer an opportunity to release your stress and recharge your batteries. The medical community understands that stress can be detrimental. Crafts and other personal endeavors help you let go of stress as you focus on the things you enjoy.

• If you are feeling anxiety or frustration, a hobby is a healthy outlet for your feelings.
• Immersing yourself in your favorite pastime frees you from bothersome thoughts.

2. Discover your creative side through practicing a hobby. Do you usually take time out of your busy day to let your creative juices flow? Hobbies fulfill this significant...

Sleep Is Important to Help Your Body Fight Colds and Flu This Season

Sleep, can you recall a time in your life when you did not get enough? 

For many of us, this happens from time to time. We are staying up late to study for finals in school. Or how about those many sleepless nights after welcoming a newborn. Or maybe you suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia. Think back on one of those times. Chances are that those were also times when you were more likely to catch a cold or come down with the flu or a stomach bug.

On the flip side, making sure you get plenty of quality sleep can serve as a sort of insurance policy.

It strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight off any type of infection or treat that comes its way. In addition, your body will be able to heal itself faster should you come down with something if you get plenty of rest. That is why your doctor often orders plenty of rest and fluids when you have a cold.

But why exactly is sleep...